We had 11 questions for Telecommunicator Alisha Funkhouser-Walker in our ongoing series to get to know Division of Public Safety staff.

How long have you worked for the Division of Public Safety?

A little over 3 1/2 years as a telecommunicator.

What’s a typical day like for you?

Each day can be a little different from the next. I’m one of the first people you talk to at the department. If you have a question and call into Public Safety, it’s a big possibility that you are talking to me. A typical day includes answering phones, making phone calls, monitoring the fire panel, entering data, organizing found property, and responding to officers’ requests on the radio.

What’s your favorite part of your job? What’s the worst?

My favorite part of the job is helping people. That can range from helping an officer on the phone to reuniting the general public with their property. My least favorite is seeing people at their worst. I like to see people succeed, not fail. Whether it be a suicide or a DUI arrest, I just don’t like to see it.

What is one thing that makes you different?

My positivity!

What is something you’d like to see changed on campus or in the community?

I’d like to see more people get involved in the community in active roles instead of nearly being spectators.

Where is your favorite place to eat in Champaign-Urbana?

Olive Garden or Destihl for dinner. For lunch, I love to eat at the Beckman Institute cafe. They have a wonderful selection over there, not to mention I know the manager pretty well. He also cooks for me at home ;).

What’s one of your funniest or fondest memories at the University of Illinois Police Department?

There have been many funny moments at UIPD, it’s hard to pinpoint one! 

Some of my fondest memories so far at the department have been volunteering with the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics. I’ve helped out with a few of the events the last two years, and I have loved every minute of it. Shout-out to Officer Beth Visel for her commitment with LETR for Special Olympics. She is an inspiration!

If given the chance, who would you choose to be for a day?

Ellen DeGeneres! Talk about a fun job. It seems like she truly loves her life. Plus, it would be really nice to meet all of those celebrities!

What is your motto in life?

Live, love, laugh.

If you had once in a lifetime front-row tickets and a backstage pass to meet a recording artist, who would it be?

Adele! I’ve been a fan of hers since before she hit the spotlight, and I like to think we would hit it off.

What’s something you would like to tell students?

College is memorable and filled with many impacting experiences. Enjoy it! It is a privilege to attend, and one that not everyone has the opportunity to do.